Authorities issued an emergency alert Sunday seeking help in finding a 4-year-old boy last seen in Hopkins.

The boy, who police as identified as Waeys Ali Mohamed, is autistic and nonverbal, according to the alert. He is Black, about 3½ feet tall and 40 pounds with short, curly black hair. He is believed to be barefoot and wearing blue or black pajama pants and no shirt.

He was last seen near Chorus Apartments in Hopkins around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the alert said. The missing boy is easily startled by noise and may be drawn to water.

Hopkins Police and assisting agencies are actively looking for the boy in the area of Blake Road N. and Second Street NE., using boats and search dogs, according to police. In a Facebook post, Hopkins police asked the public to stay out of the area to facilitate the search. Anyone who lives in the area is asked to check their property for signs of the child.

The alert asks anyone with information to call 911 immediately.